There are no strings on me.
3. Do you believe events in your life have been guided by fate or chance? Why or why not? Based on the text, what do you think Shakespeare's attitude was towards fate? Does Macbeth have any choice in his actions or was everything predetermined? Use examples from the text as your support.
I have never enjoyed the concept of fate because it takes away the fun from living. When you are told that all your actions have already been made, your mistakes predetermined, and the end decided how can you enjoy what you do? I hate the thought of "no matter how hard you try, or what you do, this is where you'll end up." I believe that all my actions are my own to make. When I achieve my goals I don't want people to attribute it to destiny or fate, I want them to know I did it myself. That my skill and determination got me where I am. Same thing with my failures. I don't blame fate for when I fail, I blame myself and strive to do better. Fate is an excuse for those who don't claim responsibility for their own actions.
Shakespeare would share my opinion on this chance vs fate debate. Shakespeare utilizes fate as a plot device in Macbeth to reveal the nature of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and if you want to go further: all humans. Neither Macbeth nor Lady Macbeth had any thought of pursuing the crown until they heard the supposed "prophecy" from the three Witches. Before he is pressured by his wife to kill Duncan, Macbeth is strongly opposed to the thought of murdering his King: "He's [Duncan is] here in double trust; First, as I am his kinsman and his subject, Strong both against the deed; then, as his host, Who should against his murderer shut the door, Not bear the knife myself."
Unfortunately Macbeth's resolve and virtue are eroded by Lady Macbeth's charmed words. The prophecy planted the thought of Macbeth taking the throne into Lady Macbeth's mind, and her id seemed to catalyze it into a insatiable desire. If any force were controlling Macbeth it would be Lady Macbeth. Shakespeare is commentating on various aspects of human nature and life such as dark desires (Macbeth and Lady Macbeth both end up committing murder to claim the crown), Husband-wife relationship (how the Lady Macbeth has more control over the decision making while Macbeth carries out the plan), and effects of power on an individual (Macbeth begins to shift from an honest man loyal to the king, to a deceitful scoundral who would do anything for power.)
I completely agree with you on the fate vs chance debate. I think it's just easier for people to have something to place the blame on (sort of like when we were reading The Handmaid's Tale and Atwood talked about how we place evil in monsters even though the real evil is in humans). I think that the idea that we are the reason for our failures scares us enough to come up with the idea of fate and we don't mind that we lose the ability to praise ourselves when we do something right, you know? Do you think Lady Macbeth is the main reason for the events that led to Macbeth becoming king, or was it mainly the witches? What do you think about Macbeth's proceeding actions, after he bacame king? I love your use of the word scoundral, by the way. Great post; keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteMy only comment is that your background gave me a headache. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of, if not all, of your assessment on fate and it's connection with Macbeth. I really liked your take on how fate is an excuse. I thought that was really interesting. My only comment that I have, is that it seems that you see as fate as only negative. If a person did good because of fate, would you still reject it? I guess that's kind of like CAS in IB. It pushes people to do community service, and in that way it's good, but the main reason behind why students are helping out is because they need the hours. So I guess maybe you could still reject it? I don't know, I find fate very confusing, but also very interesting. I don't think it should be completely ruled out as a negative thing like you seem to be doing, but I don't think it is all great, I do think it has maybe some dark implications. Anyway I enjoyed reading your post very much.
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